This paper reviews the literature on violence and crime in schools and on prevention strategies and programs. A section on demographics examines incidence of crime and victimization in school, age of students involved, and types of violent behaviors. Underlying causes and conditions include family breakdown, substance abuse, poverty, and fear. Weak school administration and a disorderly school environment contribute to school crime and violence. Weapons, gangs, and behaviors associated with school violence are defined. Examples of alternative schools and programs for violent and disruptive youth are described. Various states have passed legislation related to school violence. Prevention programs implemented by schools include peer mediation, training students to fight off an attacker using make-believe muggers, conflict resolution, anger control, prejudice reduction, interpersonal problem solving, and behavioral skills training. However, many of these programs are poorly understood and improperly implemented by educators and have little success. Prevention of school violence requires creation of a school culture that does not tolerate violence. Elements of such a school culture are outlined, as are elements of a prevention plan, characteristics needed in teachers and other school personnel, practices to reduce the risk of violence at athletic events, practices for dealing with gangs and weapons, elements of an effective school safety plan, and questions to evaluate conflict in school. Results of a survey of Nebraska administrators include their recommendations for promising practices and programs. Contains 34 references. (SV)